Gregory/Petukhov’s Compulsory Dance was also solid except for a little wobble in the fourth segment. The husband-and-wife team received 33.62 points (16.98/16.64) and is virtually tied with the Russian team. “We were really happy with the way we skated, but we’re really disappointed in our result, because we don’t think it was justified”, Gregory told the press. “I felt we skated very strong, we did every step, edges on music and I think the other couple wasn’t on the music and did much larger errors than we did.”

I hope G/P rock the OD and FD and won't be held down for the Russian pair. :( I really like their free dance this year.

“It went ok. We did a pretty good dance. We didn’t get to work too much on it, because since Skate Canada we’ve been working on doing a new OD (Original Dance). We have a different music, a different program, so we didn’t get a chance to work that much on compulsories. We did it clean and like it is supposed to be done and we’ll get it better as this season goes on”, Dubreuil said. “It (the Rhumba) is a very fun dance, I like it very much”, Lauzon said. “It requires low knees and powerful edges and I think it suits our qualities as skaters”, his partner added. "
What the hell is that?A new OD? Isn't a little bit late for that?And what was so wrong with the old one?It wasn't as bad as some other programs we've seen so far

I think they received some criticism at Skate Canada and to them, took those comments to heart and went back to the drawing board. I hope the new "D/L" tango is fabulous.

Agreed. I think they really have their sights set on contending for gold this season and are doing everything they can to given themselves the best shot. I quite liked their OD, but if they felt they needed to change it, more power to them. As for timing, I think they made a good move by making a decision and going for it early in the season rather than having to learn something new last minute post-Grand Prix before Nationals and Worlds.

D&L's Tango didn't blow me away at SC, so I admire them for seeing that their rival couples have a stronger dance, and the need to change it.

They have quality CDs generally, and were able to win here with little practice, so to avoid being overtaken in the OD later in the season, when up against the best at the GPF and Worlds, I think they have made a wise choice.

I don't know what I love more, Melissa and Denis's huuuuuuuuuuuuge improvements and awesome new programs this year, or Melissa's new, feisty Diva attitude! I hope they pull up in the OD and FD and make the GPF.

......I hope G/P rock the OD and FD and won't be held down for the Russian pair. :( I really like their free dance this year.

I don't think that it's fair to assume that Melissa and Denis are being held down in favor of Khokhlova & Novitski. IMO the battle for second at NHK between K&N and G&P could be much like the B&A vs D&S at Cup of China. Both couples are about equal in ability and it may come down to who skates the best (well okay as much as I adore Tanith and Ben, the Cup of China result was partially helped along by B&A skating an underprepared FD.)

I went back and read the report on the ISU page and it said that K&N skated a strong Rhumba so I have no reason to believe that G&P were being held back.

Though not my absolute favorites, I've always enjoyed G&P's skating and applaud them for the improvements they have made plus their FD this season is quite nice. However I watched K&N's FD on youtube earlier today (this is the first time I've seen one of their programs) and I love it; I do think it is good enough to fairly be placed above G&P. Not so sure about the OD though.

I don't know what I love more, Melissa and Denis's huuuuuuuuuuuuge improvements and awesome new programs this year, or Melissa's new, feisty Diva attitude! I hope they pull up in the OD and FD and make the GPF.

I'm not sure if her fiesty attitude is 'new', she is just being more vocal in the press this year